Should a wedding dress match the bridal tiara?

The wedding tiara is a modern adaptation of an ancient, royal symbol of sovereignty. Originating in Persia, the tiara traditionally referred to a high crown and is also related to the diadem. Wedding dresses traditionally need not in any way match the wedding tiara. However, as tiaras can be quite ornate, many brides choose a wedding dress with a degree of formality or decoration similar to their bridal tiara.

Before the Wedding Tiara

The tiara had a long history before it became a bridal accoutrement. The term "tiara" traditionally referred to a high crown of a king or other leader, made of leather or fabric, richly ornamented and narrow on top.

Some of the first known tiaras have been found among archaeological artifacts in Mesopotamia, and the Assyrians adorned their tiaras with bull horns and feathers, while other cultures bedecked their tiaras with jewels. The papal tiara, previously worn by the Pope during religious ceremonies, is a tall cap with three crowns, a globe and a cross to symbolize his authority; however, this tiara has not been worn since Pope Paul VI set it aside after the Second Vatican Council.

Wedding Tiaras and Wedding Dresses

In more recent times, the word "tiara" has come to be identified with a crown-like head adornment in a semi-circular shape, often made of metal and decorated with jewels, semi-preciosu stones or facsimiles such as rhinestones or Austrian crystals. Elegant and feminine, the tiara is a popular choice of modern brides and may be worn with or without a wedding veil.

The wedding tiara may also be chosen or designed to complement the wedding dress, echoing design elements, such as appliquéd pearls or semi-precious stones. Instead of spending time and incurring costs associated with designing a wedding tiara, many brides prefer to choose a replica tiara to go with their wedding dress, and replicas of tiaras worn by glamorous public figures such as the late Princess Diana are popular and easy to find in bridal shops and on the Internet.

For more information about tiaras, click here.